Tropic Marin Bio-Actif Salt Experience

[hllb]

Curious if people used it and liked it. It has just the parameters I’d like to keep. I’m currently using Red Sea Coral Pro but don’t need the higher alk. Consistency without needing to mix the dry salt is important to me. I’ve heard you need a skimmer for this salt. I do have one but it’s small and not as effective as I’d like (and since it’s a biocube not too many options).

Thoughts?

 

[Malifry97]

Bump #reefsquad

 

[MTBake]

I use the standard Tropic Marin. The Bio-Actif adds carbon dosing in the salt mix if I remember correctly.

Where are you trying to keep your parameters?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I have 400 gallons on hand and began using it a month ago. I have seen Noticeable difference with coral color and Growth.
I However must ask myself as I also installed a CA reactor about the same time I switched salts. Is it the salt, CA reactor or both . I say both. Prior to using the salt and adding the calcium reactor. Top pic was my tank. Bottom pic is a month later.

AFTER:

 

[hllb]

Did some additional reading and there are complaints of a brown film in the mixing bucket. Hmm...don’t like the sound of that. I want easy and clean to mix too.

I want to keep parameters that won’t require dosing while doing weekly water changes.

ph: 8.1-8.2
Alk: 8.5-9
Calcium: 425-450
Mg: 1350
@1.026

 

[MTBake]

Did some additional reading and there are complaints of a brown film in the mixing bucket. Hmm...don’t like the sound of that. I want easy and clean to mix too.

I want to keep parameters that won’t require dosing while doing weekly water changes.

ph: 8.1-8.2
Alk: 8.5-9
Calcium: 425-450
Mg: 1350
@1.026

Those parameters are almost an exact match to the regular TM salt. Which does not produce a brown film, ime.

I've been through 3 buckets and the parameters have been consistent, bucket to bucket.

Results using Salifert kits;
Ph: 8.2
Alk: 9.5
Ca: 430
Mg: 1320
Also @1.026

My tank typically tests the same except alk. That's usually at 8.4-9dkh. I change 33% every weekend in my 40 breeder mixed reef.

 

[dieselkeeper]

Did some additional reading and there are complaints of a brown film in the mixing bucket. Hmm...don’t like the sound of that. I want easy and clean to mix too.

I want to keep parameters that won’t require dosing while doing weekly water changes.

ph: 8.1-8.2
Alk: 8.5-9
Calcium: 425-450
Mg: 1350
@1.026

I just switched to Aqua forest. And the parameters are 410 calcium, 8.6 dkh. Mixes quick and clean.

 

[hllb]

Those parameters are almost an exact match to the regular TM salt. Which does not produce a brown film, ime.

I've been through 3 buckets and the parameters have been consistent, bucket to bucket.

Results using Salifert kits;
Ph: 8.2
Alk: 9.5
Ca: 430
Mg: 1320
Also @1.026

My tank typically tests the same except alk. That's usually at 8.4-9dkh. I change 33% every weekend in my 40 breeder mixed reef.

Which one, the classic? That says calcium of 380 which is too low. The Reef Pro says all of 7.

 

[MTBake]

Yep the classic. I'll check it again. But I'm not seeing ca that low. Let you know in a few. Just need to make sure I'm at 35ppt and I'll test it. Started mixing a bucket about 26hrs ago. Stays clear for days.

 

[MTBake]

This is at 35 ppt and tested with this Salifert kit.

I have a brand new kit I can double check with. I did the test twice and got the same results. I'd say it's closer to 460ppm based on this round of testing. I even verified my refractometer with 3 different brands of calibration fluids. All matched at 35ppt.

 

[hllb]

This is at 35 ppt and tested with this Salifert kit.

I have a brand new kit I can double check with. I did the test twice and got the same results. I'd say it's closer to 460ppm based on this round of testing. I even verified my refractometer with 3 different brands of calibration fluids. All matched at 35ppt.

Maybe that was for a lower salinity then. Thanks!

 

[hllb]

This is at 35 ppt and tested with this Salifert kit.

I have a brand new kit I can double check with. I did the test twice and got the same results. I'd say it's closer to 460ppm based on this round of testing. I even verified my refractometer with 3 different brands of calibration fluids. All matched at 35ppt.

Wait, isn’t that at .22 which would be 390?

 

[MTBake]

Wait, isn’t that at .22 which would be 390?

The bottom of the black rubber seal is the marker.

This would be 0ml...

This would be .5ml.

This would be full at 1.0ml

Edit:
Here's a pic from the booklet as well...

 

[hllb]

The bottom of the black rubber seal is the marker.

This would be 0ml...

This would be .5ml.

This would be full at 1.0ml

I knew that lol. Oy. It’s been a long day. Duh...

 

[Mal11224]

I’ve used TM bio act if for a while and if you are not using the salt right away and store it, a film will appear in your reservoir which is a result of the additional additives in the salt. It is a great salt but I switched to the pro. My tank’s alk is roughly 7.8 so either salt worked for me. My alk did not budge too much after a water change. The pro is great and results in my opinion with regards to the corals are the same. Just no film. The salt is very easy to mix as well.

 

[MTBake]

I knew that lol. Oy. It’s been a long day. Duh...

The classic TM is good salt. I switched from the RS blue bucket due to sale on the TM. I haven't looked back since. I dont think you'll be disappointed with the classic.

 

[hllb]

The classic TM is good salt. I switched from the RS blue bucket due to sale on the TM. I haven't looked back since. I dont think you'll be disappointed with the classic.

Cool thanks! My LFS recommended the blue bucket but the alk was lower than I wanted.

 

[S.Pepper]

I’ve used TM bio act if for a while and if you are not using the salt right away and store it, a film will appear in your reservoir which is a result of the additional additives in the salt. It is a great salt but I switched to the pro. My tank’s alk is roughly 7.8 so either salt worked for me. My alk did not budge too much after a water change. The pro is great and results in my opinion with regards to the corals are the same. Just no film. The salt is very easy to mix as well.

That's what BRS found on the TM bio. I'm using TM Pro and luv it. Mixes fast and will store for a long time.

I don't know how new it is, but it's new to me. TM now has a Syn-Biotic Sea Salt that includes a probiotic bacteria and prebiotic bacteria food. Interesting and something i'll look at when this bucket is gone.

 

[afuel]

The bio-actif is meant to be used right away and not stored for that reason I use the pro reef. I like to mix a day or two before I’m ready to do my water change. I think the film comes from storage on the bio mix

 

[Superlightman]

The bio-actif is meant to be used right away and not stored for that reason I use the pro reef. I like to mix a day or two before I’m ready to do my water change. I think the film comes from storage on the bio mix

Where you get this information ,i saw it nowhere and all salts are stored often long time